The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted suspected counterfeit malaria drugs valued at over ₦1.2 billion in Lagos.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement on Friday, the agency said operatives discovered 277 cartons of the fake product, identified as Malamal Forte, in a warehouse at Ilasa-Oshodi, Lagos.
According to NAFDAC, the drugs were illegally imported from China and concealed in cartons falsely labelled as Diclofenac Potassium 50mg.
“NAFDAC has intercepted 277 cartons of counterfeit and unregistered Malamal Forte malaria drugs, valued at over ₦1.2 billion, in a warehouse located in the Ilasa-Oshodi area of Lagos State,” the statement said.
The agency explained that the shipment originated from Shanxi Tianyuan Pharmaceuticals Group in China and was smuggled into the country under the guise of spare parts.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the operation reflects the agency’s determination to safeguard public health.
“This seizure is part of NAFDAC’s sustained nationwide operation to protect public health and ensure only safe, quality medicines are available to Nigerians,” Adeyeye said.
